India vs England 1st ODI: Varun Chakravarthy to be part of India playing XI?

The Indian team recently announced their updated squad for the three-match ODI series against England, alongside their squad for the all-important ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the squad contained several big names, one notable omission was Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner who has impressed in recent T20Is. Instead, India opted for a spin-heavy combination with the inclusion of all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, along with Kuldeep Yadav as the sole frontline spinner in the squad.

India vs England: Varun Chakravarthy to be slotted in the India playing 11 for the 1st ODI?

However, in a surprise turn of events, Varun Chakravarthy’s name was added to the squad just hours after the announcement. The change came about due to Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability for the ODI series, which led to an adjustment in the squad. Bumrah’s absence left a gap in India’s bowling attack, and Chakravarthy’s inclusion was seen as an ideal fit to add variety to the bowling attack. His recent performances, particularly in the T20 format, have made him a valuable asset to the team, and this call-up for the ODI series could provide him with a great opportunity to showcase his skills in the 50-over format ahead of the Champions Trophy. This update adds a layer of excitement to India’s squad, with a strong mix of experienced players and emerging talent.

Varun Chakravarthy, the 33-year-old mystery spinner, has had an impressive rise in recent years, but his ODI experience remains limited, having never played in the 50-over format for India. With only 18 T20I appearances to his name, Chakravarthy's transition into the ODI setup is a big step. However, his performances in T20Is have been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, he played seven T20I matches and claimed 17 wickets at an outstanding average of 12.41, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. His recent performances in the series against England were even more extraordinary, as he was named Man of the Series after taking 14 wickets in five games, including a few match-winning contributions.

Given his exceptional form, Chakravarthy's sudden inclusion in the Indian squad for the ODI series against England has generated significant buzz. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, his inclusion adds depth to India’s bowling attack. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, recognizing the spinner’s potential, has urged the Indian team not to waste his valuable skills by leaving him out of the playing XI. Chopra emphasized that Chakravarthy's form and versatility could be a crucial asset to India in the upcoming series and the Champions Trophy, particularly in conditions that favor spin. His ability to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs could prove pivotal for India in their bid to secure the prestigious title.

Aakash Chopra, reflecting on Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the Indian squad, emphasized that given the spinner's red-hot form, he should not be kept on the bench. Chopra pointed out that when a player is brought into the squad, especially based on their outstanding performances, they should be given a chance to play and contribute. Chakravarthy’s recent form, particularly his impressive Man of the Series performance against England, makes him a valuable asset for the Indian team. His exceptional ability to take wickets in the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs adds depth to India's spin attack.

Chopra made it clear that leaving Chakravarthy out would be a missed opportunity. With the upcoming Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England, now is the perfect time to integrate the mystery spinner into the playing XI. His presence could provide the team with the edge needed in the spin-friendly conditions expected in the upcoming matches. Given his recent success in T20Is, where he claimed 14 wickets in five matches against England, it would be a mistake not to capitalize on his current form and include him in the playing XI for both the ODI series and the Champions Trophy.

"This is a big one as well because Varun Chakravarthy was in my original team. I felt Varun should be kept because you won't need too many finger spinners and the wrist spinners might actually have a bigger say. However, the selectors hadn't picked him," said former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel.

India ODI squad for England series

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.